Gericaults Lawn.......

A Sunny Winter Westside Update

Sorry friends, for the long winter hibernation.  The Westside is really in bloom and in urgent need of a new blog update. So here we go.........

New Business on 19th West!!!!

Big Belly Deli

Sorry if the pic throws anyone off their appetite but a new Big Belly Deli HAS opened up in the old eVocal space on 19th West. These guys make awesome sandwiches ( literally two meals in one). They have their original location just down off PCH in west newport shores, but are here now and open for business. 

Mesa Verde may be celebrating ( finally) getting a new In-n-Out, (we've had ours forever), but new business ventures here on the Westside are greatly needed and appreciated. Our past restaurant start ups like Taco Mesa and Wahoo's, launched from right here, into restaurant fame. Lets make sure we embrace the BIG BELLY, eat there often and show support to these eclectic Westside Mom and Pop establishments. 

Focus on Schools

ESTANCIA RANKS ON BEST SCHOOLS IN THE US!!!!

BEATS EDISON AND COSTA MESA HS.!!!!

The little High School that could.......

Estancia High is the second smallest High school in Orange County,(Laguna Beach being the smallest). That notwithstanding , it offers some of the greatest programs around. 

We just came off a stellar football season , with an indominatble group of great young athletes with devoted adult commitment and leadership.

CETA Awards for 2011 "Theophilus North"

The award winning Drama department just competed and won numerous CETA Theatrical awards.

EHS Aquatics Girls and Boys BOTH went to CIF!!!

It ranks in the top 6th percentile in the nation for academic achievements and deserves our praise and support.

This has been a bottom up "Renaissaince"......starting with aggressive attention and work at the lower level  Elementary and Middle "feeder" Schools, by Students, Parents, Teachers, and Administrators, and we can't stop now!!!

Maintaining the growth and momentum we achieved over the last decade, is going to be a huge challenge facing our local PTA's and youth organizations going forward. The current positive economic forecasts are too little , too late to make a postive $$$$ impact. In essence , it is up to every family to help shoulder the burden to help pick up the slack.

State cuts are going to be rough. Up to $200 per student .

On the positive side we have a group of dedicated active parents , passionate and energized to meet these challenges, but we need ALL HANDS ON DECK, to help counter the budgetary shortfalls.

Huge Kudo's to Estancia Dad Steve Menginger and ALL the volunteers that helped with the big fundraiser this month. Costa Mesa United raised over $100,000 at the January 18th Mesa Verde Golf Classic that goes to benefit Youth sports and schools.....but we still need more.

What you can do.....

First opportunity is the Victoria Jog-a-Thon. Help sponser, or even better , help promote and gather sponsers to support this great event. Click on the link Victoria Jog-a-Thon for a downloadable , printable version of the letter that you can use to solicit financial support. Ask businesses, friends, relatives, and help us make this the strongest Jog-a-Thon ever.

The next thing is sign up for the PTA. Stay involved and informed. Time , talent or treasure. Try to donate at least one of these to your kids future.

Lets keep this great legacy booming!!!

State of the Union

"little pun"

Living in the Canyon Park Neighborhood over the years, (Union Ave. for example), we've seen a lot of changes.

Most , if not all, for the best.

Unfortunately, to read the papers or the blogs one would believe that we are living in a dark and unfriendly prelude to the END of DAYS.

One sunny stellar morning last week I witnessed a different scene......

Three houses in my immediate vicinity were going through drastic improvements. New walls, paint , roofs, landscape and irrigation systems, were being installed. Moving vans were lined up with new families moving in. A brand new baby was coming home to a young homeowner couple, who excitedly  showed me the new paint colors they were going to paint thier recently purchased home. Tyvek "paper house" on the corner of Victoria looks amazing.

I would hate to minimize the troubles many are facing through this economic cycle, but judging by the observations occuring right out my window and driving around the neighborhood, I'm sensing a change has come.

We still have a long way to go........but the Westside is definitely in bloom.

 Political Radar

Homeless Task Force -  The city of Costa Mesa is creating a Task force to address the issue of Homelessness and how it affects the city and it's residents. Specifically in the area around the Downtown Rec center and Lion's Park. Applications to join the Task Force can be found here...As this process moves forward I would encourage all residents to keep informed. Public hearings will be made available. Our input regarding this incredibly complex issue , with lots of moving parts, is important.

The Fairgrounds Issue-  This Thursday Jan. 27th the Fair Board holds the next meeting regarding the sale and future of the Fairgrounds. This has been an intense , complicated, roller coaster ride that currently has no end in sight. The three "newly appointed" (by Arnold) Board Members will be seated.

They were supposed to have a surprise Board meeting New Years Day. The sole purpose was to "quit claim" the Deed for the property over to the state. We were able to have that meeting cancelled by appealing to the judge regarding the Temporary Restraining Order against the sale. The New Governors office , through the new AG. , suggested they NOT have the meeting.

This Fair Board is still attempting to move forward the agenda of selling OUR fairgrounds. Piece by piece is they have to.

Our OC Fair was just recently recognized as being the 8th best in the Country. It's the longest running in the State, with the second largest revenues......but.......

 this  FAIR BOARD still DOESN"T GET IT!!!!!  Instead of acting as proper stewards of this treasured asset they continue forward with their plans to dismantle AND SELL IT OFF......

 This THURSDAY , they plan on discussing selling off the Pacific Ampitheatre to a private entity. The current status of the Sale and other issues.

Fair Board Meeting is Thursday , 88 Fair drive, in the Administration Building off Arlington.

The meeting is at 10:00 am sharp. Usually they start the Pledge to the Flag @ 9:55, so be on time.

Agenda can be found here.

Watchdogs are encouraged to attend......!!!!

I've gotten long winded in this blog version.....that's what I get for taking so long between updates.

Next up I want to introduce you to the Westside Mora Family. Our prayers are with you Vilma. 

I am glad your home Vilma......to help in any way you can with this wonderful family, please contact me @ gridgestudio@gmail.com

Westside Community Fall Update

The Westside REALLY is The Bestside.........


Huge win for our boys at Estancia High School.
Friday night they stomped the Mustangs , 35-6, to take the 1st place spot in the Orange Coast League in over 21 years. Our favorite son, senior Matt Carlyle ran a punt return for an 83 yard touch-down, if that wasn't exciting enough, you should have been sitting next to his mother Jane.
Sophmore Robert Murtha continues his awesome rushing streak, with the season continuing, he is just 15 yrds. shy of breaking the all time school record for the season.

Battle of the Bell

If you haven't been following our local schools football program it has definitely blossomed over the last couple years. The team has new uniforms, equipment, outdoor weight training facility, not to mention an incredible stadium with an ocean/mountain view. Friday Night lights have never shown brighter on the Westside.

They need your support!

Upcoming Fundraiser "Retire The Debt"


November 17th.     4:00 - 10:00
Avila's El Ranchito Restaurant   2101 Placentia Ave. 
20% of all dinner tabs go to help the Eagles.
How easy is that..?      Just go and have dinner at Avila's...don't have to twist my arm...


Retire the Debt on Facebook




The Great Fairgrounds Saga continues.........


UPDATE:
Local Business Owners Sue to STOP THE SALE


Petition Link


Is it sold?.............not yet.
The partnership between the city of Costa Mesa and the Private Developer FMW is dead.
In fact, our dance partner FMW dumped us and went to the prom alone without us.....
The Governator forges ahead with his cronies in his effort to privatize the Fairgrounds for profit. It currently is in "escrow",with FMW, in a crazy deal that nets the State $20 million up front , yet finances the remaining balance over forty years. Hows that helping our budget?


This Friday, another slap in the face , when Costa Mesan Fair Board Member Dave Padilla was unceremoniously, thrown off his seat. He has been an outspoken critic of the sale, or in other words, has been doing his appointed responsiblity in stewarding our public asset.


Padilla taken off Fair Board


This fight is still raging on.........

Strong Fair Advocate Assemblyman Jim Silva

During a recent Meg Whitman for Governor rally, we were able to meet and garner suppotrt from every elected official attending the event. Jim Silva, Bill Campbell, Diane Harkey, Wendy Leece, and even the unvictorious Governor hopeful Meg Whitman.

This sale will have to have the blessing of the legislature and it is being watched carefully. While our new 68th Assemblyman-elect Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor has yet to make a statement, Assemblyman Jose Solorio has taken a stance opposing the sale and has legislation to kill the deal once and for all.

With a new Sheriff coming to town , Gov. elect Jerry Brown has shown no favor to this sale and in fact , even suspended legal representation to the Fair Board, as attorney general.

Brown to Fair Board Drop Dead

The clock is ticking......and we are holding our breath waitng for the other shoe to drop......

This week expect a new development.....

To stay informed check out this organization     http://www.ocfpreservationsociety.org/

Also on Facebook current updates and comments posted regularly    Facebook Derail the Sale

Alls "Not" Quiet on the Western Front.......Politically speaking!

Election Results!

New Council Members- Elect  Planning Commissioner Jim Righeimer, and

 Westside resident and incumbent Mayor pro tem Wendy Leece. Congratulations to you both!

The Westside longtime resident Chris McEvoy failed in his second attempt running for a seat.

Percentage JIM RIGHEIMER 12,934 31.7% * WENDY LEECE 11,530 28.2% CHRIS MCEVOY 10,803 26.4% Council Member Katrina Foley successfully won a seat on the Newport Mesa School Board and will be leaving her council seat Dec. 14th, creating an opening for the new council to fill.Foleys Upcoming Vacancy Also City Manager Allan Roeder has announced his retirement after 25 years of service.  Definitely a transitional period for our city's civic governance Current Westside issues....... Project Mobility, Yeah, I know....stupid name......great idea. The Planning Commission in a recent study session is exploring an East/west bike trail connection from the Santa Ana River to Upper Newport Back Bay. Community involvement would greatly help this project. Especially in the first planning stages. City Study Bike Trail Connection

Santa ana River trail

Code Enhancement Pilot Program......

Pilot Program

The Code Enhancement Pilot Program Target Area is the Sunshine home neighborhood. This area is Bordered by Estancia High school to the North, Placentia to the East, W. Wilson to the South and Republic to the West.
Basically the two main streets are Darrell and JoAnn. 

I 've been getting mixed signals on this issue. I've been told that they are NOT targeting Tradespeople work trucks with racks parked in front of their houses. Yet, while walking neighborhoods I met a resident who WAS ticketed for having his work truck in his driveway. He showed me his truck, a regular Ford , with a welded metal rack, and his name and phone number painted on the door. The resident also showing me a ticket he received, stating that it was classified AS A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE.

IMHO , this is completely Draconian, and ill-serves the residents of this community.


The issue regarding inoperative and commercial vehicles has been passed unanimously by the Planning Commission and is headed for the City council. 

I'm working on getting some clarification regarding if this is going to include work trucks. So far no answer.


I hate to come right out swinging at Jim Righeimer but this has been his issue. For some reason he really doesn't understand that people who work for a living like to park in their driveways. The other pet peeve of his is RV's in driveways. On the bright side , they are speedily green lighting more commericial parking storage facilities in the city. So when you are told to move it, there might be new spaces you can rent. 

City Council hears this item on Tuesday Nov. 16th

Council Meeting Agenda Nov.16th


I'll keep updating any current developments...........


***UPDATE   Steve Mensinger just replied back to my questions regarding work trucks.


"In terms of your question
Pickups and those with racks are exempt. The code applies to commercial vehicles over a certain size."

Enjoy the Indian Summer.........

Voting is an Honor....so I'm Honoring a Voter

The Hotel New Hampshire

Dixville Notch New Hamphire, November 2000, at 11:59 pm, 102 year old Neil Tillotson stood staring at his watch.

At the stroke of midnight, Mr. Tillotson cast his ballot. Much as he had in every election for over forty years. He was followed by every other registered voter in his little hamlet ,20 miles from the Canadian border. At 12:01 all 26 votes had been cast, and a minutes or two later , all had been counted.

Neil Tillotson started this tradition in 1960. Until his death at the age of 102, Mr. Tillitson , was the first voter to cast his vote in every election , and primary election, in the entire country. 

The voting would take place in the Grand Ballroom of the Balsams Hotel (pictured above). It's a scene that seems taken right out of a John Irving novel. 

I can just imagine the lively political discussions and energy generated by this small group of citizens.

Gathering at midnight , and exercising their most sacred trust, as citizens. While the rest of the country would be waking up on an election day, to wait in lines, watch the polls and listen to the endless speculation from the ceaseless talking heads, these 26 citizens could sleep in. Their job done. 

Last Nights Forum

"An enlightened citizenry is indispensable for the proper functioning of a republic. Self-government is not possible unless the citizens are educated sufficiently to enable them to exercise oversight......" 

                                                                                                                                       -Thomas Jefferson

Following last nights "Feet to the Fire" Candidate Forum, one statement really stood out.

It was a comment made by NB Council candudate Rush Hill ," Government is made by those people who show up". I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, the cards are stacked against most of us.

Unless you have the time, or are paid to play in the mudhole, politics on all levels is just too time consuming to grasp. Too often, we just rely on the opinions of those we trust , or feel comfortable with to tell us how to exercise our most important right in a self governing society. The sad fact is , most information is professionally crafted to sway low information voters. The rising level of distrust and futility felt by voters, from all political persuasions, is a calculated result. Most politicians don't want the voters to understand what they are doing. It makes the entire process much easier for them when we are just told how to think. They prey on our fears, they distract us with shiny promising sound bites, and they demoralize us with bad compromises.  

Keep your hands off my Medicare and Social security!

Or so it seems.........

Actually, most politicians I talk to want the public engaged. They are looking for input , and suggestions on how we want to be governed. Yes, there are those politicians who would rather tell us how we SHOULD be governed, but for the most part the opposite is true. I'm guilty of deriding others in the past for waiting to see which way the crowd is walking, so that they can grab a banner , run in front, and yell, Follow Me!".

The real fact is, we are self governing.

How can we exercise that practically in our busy world?

This is my proposal....

The Westside Costa Mesa Community Group needs a local race caucus. 

There are plenty of forums, editorial pages, endless phone calls, and wasteful mailers.

What is needed , for those awash in the info deluge , is consensus.

Friends, neighbors, co-workers, all meeting together at one gathering to make an endorsement ...collectively.

We debate, dissent, and decide.  At the end we go into the corners to stand for our candidates. The one with the most supporters gets the support. 

At the end of the day,The Westside has a voice.

We give them the banner and tell them in what direction we want to go. 

It's not perfect. It's not a cure-all. It's a messy, unscientific, kabuki theatre-like experiment.

In other words, it's pure Democracy.

I think Neil Tillotson would heartily approve.

Look for the e-mail, can't wait to see you there.

The Westside Community Group is a committed group of people who live and love our Westside .

If that's you, and you'ld like to be a part ,...contact us @ westcmgroup@gmail.com

Costa Mesa Westside Community Group

The Wild, Wild West...

Go West, young man!!!  These famous words from New York Tribune founder Horace Greeley echoed in my head. 

It was a little over a decade ago. 

I had spent the day house hunting for a rental. My wife and I were expecting our second child and larger environs were required. We loved our little house on the Eastside. All 900 sq. feet of it. It had a lovely view off the top deck of the Ali Baba Golden Dome framed between the trees.Unfortunately, an active two year old, a 120 pound Akita, and another on the way made our idyllic little family scene a trifle too cramped. We needed a bigger spread.

After tirelessly scouring the Eastside for more space , it became evident, that we would have to spend well out of our budget to get that space. So with a little trepidation, and much self entitled Eastside superiority, I started to go slumming on the Westside. I had been warned.